Can I give my hamster large vegetables to nibble at?

[Sixp]

Fairly new to hamsters here, but have read up on them. We have a Syrian hamster who seems very happy and we have been introducing fresh vegetables to him gradually. We have tended to hold a finger length piece of something out to him and he comes and nibbles little bits off. Tonight we introduced cucumber and he nibbled a few bits off before disappearing with a whole slice in to his house. Everything I read says that food should be chopped in to tiny pieces, but isn't it fine for them to nibble little bits off - and more natural?

We never chop it up, but only give small pieces if that make sense. When I saw your title I was imagining you giving him a whole cucumber . I give ours the end when I'm cutting a new cucumber or break off the end of a carrot. I likes picking them up in his paws - so cute. No need to chop up.

Thank you! That was my gut instinct too.

They go mad for walnuts. Just crack the shell gently with nutcrackers to get him started

They shouldn't have too much raw veg per day though as it can upset their digestion and be really bad for them. About as much as would fit in a tea spoon is fine.

Ours likes to pack the whole chunk into his pouch and take it into his den to gloat/tease/nibble relentlessly

It's fine for them to gnaw on larger pieces, just make sure it isn't a size or shape that could get lodged in a pouch and make sure they don't have too much of anything particularly watery or sweet like carrot or lettuce. A hammy with the runs is not a pretty sight.

I don't chop veg up for mine but I don't give him a lot because it will make him poorly and hamsters can dehydrate quickly.

Mine goes mad for a few cooked peas. He hoovers them up and runs to bed to eat them.

Actually walnut is a really good idea. I think our boy would love fighting his way into that!

Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to trying some walnuts! We've only been giving him a little bit of fresh food once a week up until now and we may try and gradually increase the frequency.

Wait till you try cheese. Only ever known 1 hamster to not be crazy about cheese. One of mine used to be awake and up the cage bars as soon as he heard tin foil.

My little prince of a hamster will only deign to accept a blueberry from me if I split the skin first. Its plump smoothness is just too intimidating. He cba to try himself but gobbles it up once there's a toothhold!

I give him a taste of most things I eat at home really - he LOVED Quorn!

And yes the little hands are so adorable!

All ours (6 at the last count) love cooked pasta and hard boiled egg. We gave the Syrian's some baby corn and the biggest pouched it all and took it to her house. They are great creatures to watch untill Lucy dislodges her wheel during the night and wakes me up (she's in our room)!

HRH with marinated aubergine

Caponata-induced slumber
He's so lovely and tame.

Love the photos! Tried cooked chicken on our little chap last night, but he didn't seem too enamoured!

Standing guard in his food bowl!

Aww! Such a brave sentinel!

Pity about the chicken, all mine have been fervent carnivores (they're not tooo bright, hence the Quorn appreciation).

There's a fairly comprehensive list of which fruit and veg are suitable for hamsters here hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/96457-safe-and-unsafe-foods-for-hamsters/ It should be unseasoned and without sauces. Most can be fed raw, but potatoes should be cooked.

It should always be given in moderation (e.g. a piece the size of your thumbnail) but they can definitely chew it up from that point!

Whimzee dog chews are hamster safe, universally popular and very good for their teeth - my hamster loves them but one can last a month! You can buy them in Pets at Home and other pet shops www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/merch-groups/whimzees